so what are the alternatives you would consider?

[birdseye]

I am on my third 1200gs and much as I like it, my mind is idly turning towards "what next?". Like most people I use my GS as a comfortable upright riding position road bike so I guess the alternatives would be the triumph explorer, the crosstourer or maybe going more tarmac focussed with the likes of an FJR. But pondering the subject in bed last night, I couldnt think of a convincing replace.

If you felt like a change next time round, what would you be thinking of as an alternative to the GS of similar quality?

 

[Axel F]

I'm seriously considering the Honda Nc750x dct version, reading a lot of good things about that bike, certainly not any comparison to the 1200gs but there are a few things drawing me towards it. Such as 75mpg, capable tourer (from what I read), reliability this is going off the 700 version, finish of the bike, storage in the false tank and the price. What I don't like is the fuel cap is underneath the pillion seat so would be pain when strapping a bag to it. I won't be changing for a while if at all but if I do this as you ask is certainly my consideration.

 

[donny1972]

For me i think it would be the Yamaha xtz super tenere. Just love the look of them and they seem pretty reliable.

 

[donny1972]

Having said that i do like the f800gs adventure as well. I can but dream lol.

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I went through this in the autumn but struggled to find something that was convincing enough to replace my single cam 1200.

KTM 990 Adv - I loved it but too focused for my pillion and as the GS is primarily used for long trips away together that ruled it out.

KTM1190 Adv - Again, I loved and oh, that engine It was defo a better two up bike but my pillion still found it a lot less comfy than the GS. Also, some aspects of the build quality ranged from quality to tatty IMO.

1200WC - Great fun to ride and pillion happy again but not quite as comfy as my GS for my pillion (hand hold position/shape) and at the end of the day, whilst I could afford to I couldn't justify the move to what is essentially a similar bike with a bit more poke. What was the point in spending all that money and ending up with something very similar, just newer

I came to realise that I just had an itch for change, not a need so decided to keep the GS a bit longer, after all it's only 10 years old Oh, and spent the money on a decent dual sport and a couple of Tomos's - much better value in my book

I do like the look of the Yam 1200's (not ridden one though).

Andres

 

[birdseye]

Might seem daft ast first but one alternative I would consider is a cruiser. Fits my requirements for upright road riding, lower seat makes paddling easier, fits in with my dislike of revvy water cooled 4 cylinder engines. Only issue is cornering. I dont ride fast but even I found the board touching down on almost every corner of a test ride.

 

[Packer]

I was in this position having run an 1150GS for 10 years and 92,000 miles. The multiple issues with the various incarnations of the 1200 hadn't filled me with enthusiasm for the model and a short (20 or so miles) on a 1200GS LC was enough to convince me to look elsewhere. It had the worst gearbox and clutch of any bike I'd ever ridden. Nice engine, lots of power but I couldn't be bothered to live with a box/clutch far inferior to my 11½. Even my 1969 /2 finds neutral better than the LC.

I wanted shaft drive. I looked at the Trumpet Adventurer but it just seemed to much plastic and some reliability issues. I had previously looked at a Stelvio but it didn't really seem attractive to me. I ended up going for the Super Tenere. The weight is very low and it doesn't feel heavier than the 11½. As much power as the oil head 12's and a torque curve which is so flat that it's barely a curve at all. Just what's needed for long distance dual spor and touring machine. I'm told that if you have a remap it makes it even better but so far I'm happy with it as is. The screen is brilliant for me (5' 10") and I got the bike for £11,300 with heated grips and the winglets thrown in. The reputation for reliability is astounding. The biggest issues seem to be mainly Americans fitting upgraded headlamp bulbs and burning out the headlamp sub-loom and the connectors. I've fitted a pair of 35w HID's. The power draw is lower than the standard halogens so shouldn't be a problem. Both lamps are always on and as the dip/head function is by means of a solenoid controlled shutter head beam is instant. The reflectors and lenses aren't up to BMW 11½ standards though. Still great lights and perfectly safe for wet night riding.


Currently awaiting parts after hitting a small deer at 70mph. Over two weeks now so not very impressed with that. Still, it's the first accident damage I've incurred since 2004 so not a problem that is likely to be a regular issue and the bike is still ridable should I choose. As I still have the 11½ I'm using that.

 

[Davy F]

I considered the 12GS toilet last year, but I just couldn't get away from all the possible problems it might have and my decision seems to be pretty well justified so far by the amount of unhappy owners and even some people having their bogs replaced by dealers once or even twice now. I also really wasn't convinced that the finish on the bike was any better than the last model. I tried the Super Ten, but although it does seem to be uber reliable, the looks, finish, performance etc didn't endear me to it, it was just bland. The Explorer 1200 was also considered, but again, certain things put me off. Hondas Crosstourer is a fantastic piece of kit, especially with the DCT 'box and I was oh so close to buying one, until I tried the KTM 1190 Adv. Handling, pace, comfort, build quality and sheer fun, well, it had to be done and although I've only done a bit shy of 2000 miles so far, I don't have one regret about buying it.

 

[BillWright]

Hi

I wonder if this is an age thing? When I was younger (now 56) there were loads of desirable bikes from all manufactuers.

I had a a single cam GS for 5 years after a ZX12R. Now had my DOHC GSA for 3 years and put down a deposit for the new GSA.

I decided I didn't want a Japenese bike anymore. Before this GSA I rode several bikes including Kwak 1000SX and Ducati Mulistrada.

I've thought about the Triumph Explorer, but those panniers and bits to me just don't look as complete as the BMW. It pains me to say that.

At hte end of the day the new bike is a present to myself for retiring from the police. For the first time ever I will own a bike purely as a toy, and well, because I can.

Bill

 

[maikhoepfel]

Why don't you keep your GS and get a second bike? Seems like you're pretty happy with the GS and just getting slightly bored... Personally, I'd get a KTM Duke 390 in a heartbeat. I was really close to putting a HMC Classic in my garage, too, just because they're so cheap

 

[Packer]

...............I was really close to putting a HMC Classic in my garage, too, just because they're so cheap

How cheap do they work out when you have to scrap it and buy a new one each year? Are Chinese bikes improving significantly? If not you'd probably get better service from a 30 year old Honda 125.

 

[gpearson]

Prior to my current 2010 GSA I had a Ducati Multistrada 2010 (touring). Awesome bike, but cost of ownership was brutal, combined with expensive component failures right before warranty ran out (dashboard). Great to ride, less great to own.

If I was looking to switch I'd either be looking at a Honda Crosstourer or 2014 VFR800.
If BMW came out with another R1200ST/S with the current engine, I'd be all over it like a rash.

Now if the question was what to go *alongside* the GS, the range is enormous

 

[GB.]

I tried going down to the f800gs thinking it would be better on fuel, better off road etc and found out the hard way, now back on a 1200gs. Fuel was better if you ride at 60 everywhere, off road I found it top heavy and broke traction easier than the 1200, nothing out there I want at the minute.

 

[Clifton]

If I were to replace my GSA with something similar, but another brand, it'd probably be a Tenere'. If I stay with BMW it'll probably be a regular GS. I hate to go back to a chain but I'd like to find something even lighter next time. At the top of that list may be the Honda NC750X (assuming it becomes available over here) or a Suzuki Wee 650. I think I prefer the Wee with it's 19" front tire, more powerful V engine, and roomy chassis, over the NCX.

 

[Martyn H]

To replace my GSA ? A 1200R. Does pretty much everything, although obviously does not have the fuel capacity of the GSA.

 

[trainman]

I'm seriously considering the Honda Nc750x dct version, reading a lot of good things about that bike, certainly not any comparison to the 1200gs but there are a few things drawing me towards it. Such as 75mpg, capable tourer (from what I read), reliability this is going off the 700 version, finish of the bike, storage in the false tank and the price. What I don't like is the fuel cap is underneath the pillion seat so would be pain when strapping a bag to it. I won't be changing for a while if at all but if I do this as you ask is certainly my consideration.

that and the crossrunner look very good to me as well and the runner is quite cheap used at the mo.

wanted to try a motard and thought would go KTM or Jap but ended up with a Aprilia DD 1200, great bike but crap mpg and tank range

I may go back to a GS one day but I don't think I am tied to them, if I ever have the money there are bikes from Ducati and Moto G that I like the look of, roll on retirement

 

[n0ct0]

I looked at an NC700DCT and a Crosstourer DCT, preferred the NC700 to be honest, but it was a lot more cramped than the GS.

 

[donny1972]

Nc 700 wouldn't pull the skin off custard lol

 

[lkyphl]

Having had several GS's, I thought I'd try something different, and bought a Crosstourer, but at 275kg wet, I find it's simply too heavy to push around.
Fantastic engine, tho'.

It'll be on the market next week, going for a twin cam GS next

Phil

 

[Davy F]

Nc 700 wouldn't pull the skin off custard lol

51 hp, must be very thick custard on your planet.